Tips for Overcoming Presentation Anxiety

We have all heard it said that pre-presentation jitters are
not necessarily bad. We can train our nerves to work for us and not against us.
It’s perfectly normal to be anxious as long as the anxiety doesn’t overpower
your presentation.

But if, in the moments just before giving a presentation,
you do find yourself walking the fine line between nervousness and debilitating
anxiety, here are a few helpful considerations.

1. Fear vs. Anxiety

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: It isn’t fear,
it’s anxiety. That feeling of panic just before you begin your presentation is
anxiety about the unknown. It is not a reaction to a real, existing
threat. That would be fear! You are not
in danger when you stand up in front of an audience. You are simply feeling
anxious. Big difference.

2. Get excited!

Giving a presentation doesn’t have to be painful. Tell
yourself, “This is going to be fun!” Say it out loud, even if you don’t believe
it. As TED speaker coach Gina Barnett puts it, Psych yourself up, not out by
using positive phrases like “I’m so excited!.” Try it. It works!

3. Be passionate.

Remember, you care about what you’re talking about or you
wouldn’t be giving this presentation. Focus on your message, not on the anxiety
you’re feeling. What’s more, inspiration is contagious. Your audience will be
significantly more invested in your talk if it is backed by genuine passion.
Enthusiasm is an extremely effective presentation strategy. Passion wins out
over nerves every time.

4. The audience is on your side.

Have you ever sat through a fumbling presentation and
thought to yourself, “This is really fun to watch.” Of course not! The audience
wants you to do well. They are on your team. If you are uncomfortable, they
will be too. Remember, they chose to
participate in this presentation just like you did; they showed up and they
want to hear what you have to say. You don’t have to picture them in their
underwear. Just try to keep in mind, they’re people too.

5. Remember your presentation’s purpose.

Think about your intention for this presentation. In other
words, what is your call to action? Keeping the end goal in the back of your
mind will help you stay on track even if your thoughts are racing.

6. It will be over before you know it.

“This too shall pass.” It can be said of most anything in
life, and giving a presentation is no different. Knowing that something is
temporary makes it more bearable, maybe even a little bit enjoyable. Try to
picture yourself sitting back down after your presentation. Then this feeling
of panic will be nothing more than a memory.

7. Be prepared.

We can’t stress it enough: preparation is key! It is often
the differentiator between a solid presentation and a flailing one. You simply
cannot compensate for a lack of rehearsal time. No matter what your message is
or how visually pleasing your slideshow, you will struggle to deliver every
time. We recommend that you rehearse a talk at least 10 times before the day of
your talk. When you’ve put in the time and effort to prepare, you will always
feel more confidant than if you’re “just winging it.”

Conclusion

We want you to hear us loud and clear: You have something to
say! You know that you have an important message to deliver, or you wouldn’t be
reading this article in the first place. You don’t need to feel paralyzed by
the weight of your presentation or the anxiety that might come with it. Quite
the opposite! You should feel empowered by the time and energy you’ve invested
in your presentation. Don’t let your nerves get in the way of changing the
world.